Bassem Ra'fat Mohamed Youssef is a renowned Egyptian cardiac surgeon, satirist, and the charismatic host of the popular satirical news program "El Bernameg" (The Program) broadcasted by Egyptian television station Capital Broadcast Center (CBC). His work has drawn comparisons to that of American comedian Jon Stewart, whose satirical program "The Daily Show" inspired Youssef to pursue a career in comedy.
Youssef began his satirical journey in March 2011, launching his first show, "The B+ Show", in response to the Egyptian Revolution. The show, primarily broadcasted on YouTube, featured satirical political commentary and garnered a massive following, with over 15 million views.
The success of "The B+ Show" caught the attention of Egyptian channel ONTV, owned by billionaire Naguib Sawiris, which offered Youssef a deal to create "El Bernameg". The show premiered during Ramadan 2011, featuring Egyptian-American engineer Muhammad Radwan as its first guest.
Youssef's program has gained widespread popularity, parodying Egyptian celebrities, including talk show host Tawfik Okasha, composer Amr Mostafa, Salafist presidential candidate Hazem Salah Abu Ismail, and Mohamed ElBaradei, former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency and onetime presidential candidate.
Notably, Youssef has also been hosted on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart in June 2012. "El Bernameg" has been renewed for a second season, premiering on November 23rd, 2012, on CBC.
Despite facing several lawsuits for "insult and defamation", Youssef has remained committed to his program, using his platform to speak truth to power and challenge societal norms. The show has evolved over time, incorporating various elements, including public figures, stars, and artists' performances.
Youssef's remarkable journey has taken him from a small studio to a live broadcast in front of a studio audience at the Cinema Radio downtown, a theatre designed in the likeness of New York's Radio City. His work has become a beacon of satire and social commentary in Egypt, inspiring a new generation of comedians and satirists.
